Amanda hesitated outside Roberta's door, hand raised to knock.
She'd noticed the change in her teammate over the past week - a subtle withdrawal, a coldness beyond Roberta's usual analytical detachment.
Something was wrong, and after days of watching her grow more distant, Amanda had decided it was time to check in.
Taking a deep breath, she knocked firmly.
"Enter," came Roberta's voice from within.
Amanda stepped into the room, immediately struck by its meticulous organization.
Unlike the other Teen Team members' spaces, with their casual clutter and personal touches, Roberta's quarters resembled a laboratory more than a bedroom.
Every surface was immaculate, every item positioned with geometric precision.
Roberta sat at a sleek desk, multiple holographic displays hovering before her.
She didn't look up immediately, her fingers continuing to manipulate data across the screens with practiced efficiency.
"Amanda," she acknowledged finally, her tone neutral. "This is unexpected."
"Hey," Amanda replied, closing the door behind her. "I just wanted to check in. You've seemed... I don't know, more distant than usual lately. Even for you."
Roberta's fingers paused, hovering over the displays. "Your observation is accurate. I have been preoccupied."
"With what?" Amanda asked, moving closer to see what Roberta was working on. "Anything I can help with?"
"Unlikely," Roberta replied, though she made no move to hide the displays. "I am completing my application for the Viltrumite breeding program."
Amanda blinked, processing the statement. "Oh. I didn't realize you were interested in that."
"My interest is specific," Roberta clarified, gesturing to a particular section of the application. "I am applying with a partner request designation."
Amanda leaned closer, her eyes widening as she read the name listed. "Thragg? You're requesting to be paired with the Grand Regent himself?"
The words hit Amanda like a physical blow. She stared at the screen, then at Roberta, certain she had misunderstood.
But there it was, clearly displayed in Roberta's precise formatting: a formal application to be paired with Thragg in the Viltrumite breeding program.
"Correct," Roberta confirmed without a hint of embarrassment. "My genetic profile, enhanced by the molecular manipulation capabilities inherited from Eve's template, makes me an optimal candidate for producing offspring with superior Viltrumite traits."
Amanda sank into a chair beside the desk, her mind reeling.
A strange, uncomfortable feeling twisted in her stomach - something that felt uncomfortably like jealousy, though she refused to acknowledge it as such.
"You want to... with Thragg?" she managed, her voice sounding strained even to her own ears.
"Yes," Roberta stated simply. "I am in love with him. I want to be with him and no one else."
The directness of the declaration hit Amanda like a second shock wave. She felt her jaw literally drop, staring at Roberta as if she'd suddenly started speaking in tongues.
"In love?" Amanda repeated incredulously. "With Thragg? The Grand Regent? The most feared being in the universe?"
Her heart was racing now, her palms suddenly damp. Why was she reacting this way? It wasn't as if she had any claim on Thragg.
The cape had been a gift, nothing more. Just because she sometimes found herself thinking about him, wondering what might be...
"Is that so difficult to comprehend?" Roberta asked, her tone genuinely curious rather than defensive. "He represents the pinnacle of evolutionary achievement - physical perfection combined with extraordinary intellectual capacity and strategic acumen.
His control over matter at the atomic level demonstrates an understanding of fundamental physics that exceeds any being I have encountered."
She paused, and for a moment, something almost wistful crossed her features. "Moreover, he understands isolation.
The experience of being... fundamentally different from those around you. Of seeing patterns and possibilities others cannot comprehend."
Amanda felt a surge of irrational defensiveness. How dare Roberta claim to understand Thragg in this way?
As if she had some special insight into his mind, his experiences. The intensity of her reaction startled her, forcing her to take a deep breath to steady herself.
"So you're... applying to be with him. Officially," she said, trying to keep her voice neutral despite the storm of emotions churning inside her.
"Yes," Roberta confirmed. "The breeding program provides the most efficient pathway to establish a formal relationship."
She studied Amanda's expression carefully, noting the subtle signs of discomfort. "My application appears to distress you. Perhaps you had not considered that the Grand Regent would naturally be involved with multiple females?"
The question struck uncomfortably close to home. Amanda had deliberately avoided thinking about the breeding program, about what it meant for Thragg's personal life.
The image of him with other women - with Roberta - sent another wave of that strange, uncomfortable feeling through her.
"No, I mean - of course I've considered it," Amanda insisted, trying to sound casual and failing miserably. "He's the leader of a dying species. Repopulation is a priority."
The words felt hollow even as she spoke them. Of course she knew about the breeding program - everyone did.
But somehow she'd never really pictured Thragg himself participating in it. The Grand Regent had always seemed above such... human concerns.
"Yet you exhibit signs of emotional distress," Roberta observed, her analytical gaze uncomfortably perceptive.
"I'm just surprised," Amanda insisted, though not entirely truthfully. "But what about you? Are you really okay with the idea of sharing him? With being one of potentially many?"
Even asking the question made her stomach twist.
The thought of Thragg with multiple partners - with a harem, essentially - was both disturbing and strangely fascinating in a way she didn't want to examine too closely.
"Why should I find this objectionable? It is entirely logical," Roberta replied.
"Logical doesn't always mean emotionally acceptable," Amanda pointed out, her voice sharper than she intended.
"Perhaps for some," Roberta acknowledged. "But consider the evolutionary and sociological foundations of human pair bonding.
Throughout history, societies have frequently practiced polygyny - one male with multiple female partners. This arrangement has proven stable across diverse cultures and eras."
She leaned forward slightly, her expression intensifying. "The biological rationale is straightforward.
Males, particularly in pre-technological societies, faced higher mortality rates due to their role as hunters and warriors.
Their greater physical strength - a biological fact, even among Viltrumites, though smart atoms reduce the disparity - placed them in danger more frequently."
"So multiple women with one man was... practical?" Amanda asked skeptically, struggling to focus on the academic argument rather than the increasingly vivid mental images of Thragg with Roberta, with others.
"Precisely," Roberta confirmed. "For social cohesion, repopulation efficiency, and resource distribution.
Historical evidence demonstrates that women can find contentment in such arrangements when certain variables are controlled - adequate resources, social stability, mutual respect."
She continued, her tone becoming more animated than Amanda had ever heard from her. "The inverse arrangement - polyandry - is significantly less common across human cultures. Males have evolved as protectors and providers.
Their psychological satisfaction derives from successfully fulfilling these roles for their mates and offspring."
"And this matters because...?" Amanda prompted, a confused edge creeping into her voice.
"Because male psychology typically cannot accommodate sharing a female partner," Roberta explained.
"For a woman to take multiple mates represents, at an instinctual level, a profound failure of the male's evolutionary purpose - an inability to provide, protect, or satisfy his partner. The ultimate humiliation."
"That seems like a pretty broad generalization," Amanda objected, desperately trying to steer the conversation away from the mental image of herself as part of Thragg's... what?
Harem? Collection? The thought should have been repulsive, yet it stirred something confusing and primal within her.
"Statistically supported," Roberta countered. "Women may experience jealousy, certainly, but the instinctive aversion appears less fundamental.
If it were, the numerous historical and contemporary societies practicing polygyny could not achieve the stability they demonstrably have."
She folded her hands precisely on the desk. "Considering these factors, I experience no emotional distress at the prospect of sharing Thragg with other suitable females.
I am confident in my ability to earn a position of significance in his estimation through intellectual compatibility and genetic optimization."
Amanda felt her face grow hot. The clinical way Roberta discussed what was essentially a competition for Thragg's affection made her both uncomfortable and irrationally angry.
As if Thragg were a prize to be won through "genetic optimization" rather than... what? Genuine connection? The idea of Thragg forming a genuine emotional bond seemed almost absurd, yet...
"I... don't really know what to say to that," she admitted finally, her thoughts in turmoil.
"Your perspective differs," Roberta acknowledged without judgment. "That is to be expected given our different experiences and neural architecture."
Before Amanda could formulate a response, a knock interrupted them. The door opened to reveal Eve, whose expression shifted to surprise upon seeing Amanda.
"Oh, sorry to interrupt," she said. "I just wanted to let you know that, uh... Thragg is here. He's asking for you, Amanda."
Amanda felt her heart leap into her throat, a rush of heat flooding her face. "For me? Did he say why?"
Eve shook her head. "Just that he wanted to speak with you privately. He's waiting in the main hall."
Amanda glanced at Roberta, whose expression had returned to its usual impassivity, though something flickered briefly in her eyes - something that might have been disappointment or jealousy.
The realization that Roberta might be feeling the same confusing emotions Amanda herself was experiencing only added to her discomfort.
"I should go see what he wants," Amanda said, rising from the chair, her legs feeling strangely unsteady.
"Indeed," Roberta agreed, her tone neutral once more. "The Grand Regent's time is valuable."
The three women made their way to the main hall, where Thragg stood waiting.
His imposing figure dominated the space, the Battle Beast coat draped regally across his shoulders.
Several other Teen Team members lingered at the periphery, pretending not to stare at the unexpected visitor.
Amanda was acutely aware of Roberta walking beside her, of the application that sat incomplete on her desk.
What did Thragg want with her? Had he somehow learned of Roberta's intentions? Was this about the cape?
"Amanda," Thragg acknowledged as she approached. "I require private conversation."
Amanda nodded, her heart pounding so loudly she was certain everyone could hear it. "Of course. Would you like to use one of the conference rooms, or...?"
"Outside would be preferable," Thragg stated. "With your permission."
Before Amanda could fully process what "with your permission" meant having nodded, Thragg had stepped forward and lifted her effortlessly into his arms, cradling her against his chest.
She let out a startled gasp as he moved toward the balcony, her face burning knowing that everyone - Roberta included - was watching.
"Wait, what are you-" was all she managed before he launched them into the night sky.
The sudden acceleration stole her breath, instinct making her arms wrap tightly around Thragg's neck.
The city fell away beneath them, buildings reduced to miniature models, streets to glowing ribbons of light.
Despite her naturally enhanced durability, the chill of the air made her press closer to his warmth.
They flew in silence for several minutes, Amanda gradually relaxing enough to look around at the spectacular view.
The moon hung full and bright above them, casting the landscape below in a beautiful silver light.
Thragg's trajectory carried them away from the city, toward the mountains that rose in the distance.
Finally, he began to descend, selecting a plateau that overlooked a vast forested valley.
A small lake reflected the moonlight like a mirror, the surrounding wilderness untouched by human development.
He set her gently on her feet, though remained standing close enough that she could feel the warmth radiating from him.
"It's beautiful," Amanda said, breaking the silence as she gazed at the vista before them. "I didn't know places like this still existed so close to the city."
"Few humans venture here," Thragg replied. "The terrain is challenging for their limited capabilities."
Amanda wrapped her arms around herself, the mountain air cool against her skin. "So... what did you want to talk about that required flying me to the middle of nowhere?"
Thragg was silent for a moment, his expression unreadable in the moonlight. Then, with a gentleness, he reached toward her face, brushing a strand of hair away from her cheek with one finger.
The touch sent an unexpected shiver through Amanda.
More surprising still was her instinctively leaning slightly into his hand, her body responding before her mind could process what she was doing.
"Your response to receiving my regalia was... significant," Thragg said, his deep voice softer than she had ever heard it. "It has prompted consideration."
Amanda's heart raced, her mind struggling to keep pace with the sudden shift in their interaction. "Consideration of what?"
"Of you," Thragg stated simply. "Of possibilities previously unexamined."
His hand remained near her face, not quite touching but close enough that she could feel its closeness. "Amanda," he continued, her name sounding different in his voice in a way she couldn't quite put her finger on.
"I wish to know if you would consider becoming mine."
The directness of the question left her momentarily speechless. "Becoming... yours?" she repeated, unsure if she was understanding correctly.
"Yes," Thragg confirmed. "To form a pair bond. To be my mate."
Amanda stared at him, her mind racing.
This was Thragg - the Grand Regent, the most powerful being in the universe, the ruler of Earth and countless other worlds.
The being who had once seemed so cold, so detached from human emotion. Yet here he was, asking her... what, exactly? To be his girlfriend? His wife? His empress?
And then, like a tidal wave, the conversation with Roberta crashed back into her consciousness.
Roberta, applying to be with Thragg.
Roberta, clinically discussing the evolutionary advantages of polygyny.
Roberta, confidently asserting her ability to win a "position of significance" in Thragg's estimation.
"I... I don't know what to say," she managed finally. "This is... I didn't expect this."
"Your hesitation is logical," Thragg acknowledged. "The disparity between us is significant. Yet I have observed that such disparities do not necessarily preclude successful pair bondings."
Amanda found herself thinking of Roberta's words about Thragg inevitably having multiple partners. About the evolutionary logic of such arrangements.
About the confidence with which Roberta had declared her intention to apply for the breeding program.
"Would I be your only... mate?" she asked carefully, the question burning in her throat.
Thragg considered the question with characteristic precision. "The repopulation of the Viltrumite species requires genetic diversity. Multiple breeding pairs are a biological necessity."
He paused, then added with unexpected emphasis, "However, emotional pair bonding is distinct from reproductive necessity. In this, you would perhaps hold a unique position."
"You mean you'd... care for me differently?" Amanda clarified, trying to understand, trying to reconcile the conflicting emotions churning within her.
"Yes," Thragg confirmed. "My observation of human relationships and consultation with those experienced in cross-species bonding suggests that emotional exclusivity is valued. My love for you will be unique, in a way that it will perhaps be unique towards others as well."
Amanda, though, still needing to for a moment come to terms with the latter part, couldn't help but wonder who he had consulted - though Nolan seemed the obvious answer.
The thought of Thragg discussing relationship advice with Omni-Man was almost surreal enough to make her laugh.
"This is a lot to process," she said honestly. "I mean, I'm flattered, but..."
"You require time for consideration," Thragg stated, beginning to withdraw his hand.
Amanda surprised herself by reaching up to catch it, holding his massive hand against her cheek. "No, that's not it," she said softly. "I just... I want to understand what this means. For both of us."
Thragg's expression shifted subtly - not quite a smile, but something in his eyes softened. "It means acknowledging a connection that transcends strategic calculation. One that I have not experienced in... ever."
The admission, so unlike Thragg's usual clinical assessments, touched something in Amanda.
She thought about how he had changed her life with the cellular device, giving her back her future.
About the cape he had given her, now hanging carefully in her room.
About the subtle shifts in his demeanor over the past months - the occasional moments when the coldness gave way to something more... warm.
And she thought about Roberta, so certain of her logical approach to winning Thragg's favor. So clinical in her assessment of sharing him with others.
The image of Thragg with Roberta - with anyone else - before her, for him to first love anyone else before her, created a sharp, visceral pain in Amanda's chest that surprised her with its intensity.
The realization hit her with sudden clarity: she had feelings for him. Somehow, despite everything, despite the absurdity of it, she had developed genuine feelings for the most powerful, most feared being in the universe.
And the thought of not being with him, while others were, to not be the one who he loved before everyone else, made her... pained.
She knew she couldn't be his only one, but she also couldn't accept not being with him, and not being the one he loved first.
"Yes," she said finally, the word emerging with more certainty than she had expected.
Thragg's eyes widened slightly. "You accept?"
Amanda nodded, a smile spreading across her face. "I accept. I want to be with you. I want to see where this goes."
For a moment, Thragg remained perfectly still, as if processing her response.
Then, with gentleness, he drew her closer, his massive hand cupping her face with care. His other arm encircled her waist, lifting her slightly to bring their faces level.
"Your acceptance is... significant to me," he said, his voice carrying an emotion Amanda had never heard from him before.
"Significant, huh?" she teased gently. "You really know how to make a girl feel special."
The corner of Thragg's mouth twitched in what might have been the ghost of a smile. "My vocabulary for emotional expression remains limited. This is... new territory."
"For both of us," Amanda acknowledged. "I've never dated the ruler of the universe before."
"And I have never formed a pair bond with anyone before," Thragg replied. "We will navigate this unfamiliar terrain together."
His thumb traced the line of her jaw with surprising tenderness. "May I?" he asked, his intent clear.
Amanda's heart raced as she nodded. "Yes."
Thragg tilted her chin upward and leaned down, bringing his lips to hers.
The kiss was gentle, restrained - a testament to his absolute control over his immense strength.
Yet beneath the restraint, Amanda sensed a depth of feeling that he was holding himself back - a lot.
When they finally parted, Amanda found herself breathless, not from the kiss itself but from what it meant.
She had just kissed Thragg - the Grand Regent. And more surprisingly still, he had kissed her with a tenderness she would never have believed him capable of before tonight.
"So," she said, smiling up at him, "what happens now?"
"Now," Thragg replied, his arms still holding her with gentle security, "we establish parameters for our relationship that accommodate both our respective duties and the time required for proper pair bonding."
Amanda laughed softly. "That's the most Thragg way possible of saying we need to figure out how to date while I'm a superhero and you're ruling the universe."
"An accurate summation," Thragg acknowledged, and this time the slight curve of his lips was unmistakable - a genuine, if subtle, smile.
They remained on the moonlit plateau for some time, talking about things to consider and future plans.
Thragg's approach to relationship planning was as methodical as his approach to everything else, yet Amanda found an unexpected warmth beneath the precision, a genuine desire to create something meaningful between them.
As the night grew deeper, Thragg finally suggested returning. "You require rest," he observed. "Human physiology, even enhanced as yours is, has limitations."
"Always the romantic," Amanda teased, but she couldn't deny her growing tiredness.
Thragg gathered her into his arms once more, cradling her against his chest carefully.
As they rose into the night sky, the world falling away beneath them, Amanda rested her head against his shoulder, a sense of surreal joy washing over her.
They were together, something she hadn't truly known she wanted until now.
But now that she knew, now that it was the case,
It was all that mattered to her.
-------------------------
(Author note: So, finally they are together.
Do tell me how you found the chapter, I had to think for a couple days, logically how Roberta would think about the whole thing,
and why she wouldn't mind and all that and how Amanda herself wouldn't mind the whole thing, taking note of them actually being people with emotions and all that, and not just writing it, to happen, because of story plot purposes.
So, how did you find Thragg and Amanda finally getting together? Was it nice? Cute? Adorable? All of the above or none of it?
Do tell.
Well, I hope to see you all later,
Bye!)